Research and Performance (DRA1012)

Staff	Dr Pamela Woods - Convenor
Credit Value	30
ECTS Value	15.00
NQF Level	4
Pre-requisites	none
Co-requisites	none
Duration of Module	Term 2: 11 weeks;

Module aims

This module aims to introduce students to the principles and practice of theatrical production and convention drawn from a particular area of research overseen by the module convenor. The research includes studio and library-based enquiry, seminars, workshops and presentations in order for the students to understand and analyse the social, historic and political contexts surrounding the given area of research. This allows students to develop research through practice towards a production arising from; devising, original scripting or a published text.

ILO: Module-specific skills

1. Demonstrate critical engagement with the principles of the chosen field of enquiry through independent and group research with specific tasks
2. Demonstrate embodied engagement with the principles of the chosen field of enquiry through independent and group practice
3. Develop a basic knowledge of, and skills in, theatrical stagecraft
4. Demonstrate an ability to understand, analyse and embody a specific theoretical praxis and translate that knowledge into performance.
5. Work as an ensemble member, initiate and sustain creative, analytic and interpretative work within strict time limits.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

6. Develop the ability to relate to others in theatrical processes and performances; to work effectively with others in small task-orientated groups and to initiate and sustain straightforward creative, analytic and interpretative work and basic technical competence
7. Develop basic library and IT skills
8. Develop confidence in the ability to contribute research to small groups in effective presentations and to evaluate visual evidence.
9. Engage critically and analytically with physical discipline and develop a basic understanding of physicalisation in performance
10. Explore theoretical concerns through practice and vice versa. Synthesise these findings in simple practical and written tasks.

ILO: Personal and key skills

11. Develop basic personal research skills; to identify and evaluate at a basic level personal learning strategies.
12. Develop group cooperation skills. Including the ability to give and receive constructive critical feedback and to develop confidence in communication skills and simple analytic abilities in discussions.
13. Develop confidence in basic performance skills and public presentation, both of dramatic practice and researched material.
14. Express and communicate straightforward creative ideas and images; develop the ability to initiate and sustain creative work, both group and solo.
15. Collaborate in various groups and group sizes, develop confidence in aspects of teamwork and presentation.
16. Develop the ability to balance between self-direction and collaborative work.

Syllabus plan

The module involves studio sessions and research tasks coupled with seminars on appropriate material. The module develops into rehearsals for public presentation. Following the public performance the students undertake small group reflective and analytical presentations on their peers performances. The module culminates with individual written analyses of the student's own process and researchand an academic essay exploring research related to the area studied.

Learning and teaching methods: Interactive practical studio classes, seminar presentations (staff and student-led), production preparation and performance all prefaced and supported by reading and research assignments. Periodic small grouping in-class performance/presentations based on the underlying principles of the chosen field of enquiry as part of the continuous assessment mark. Performances/presentations will receive in-class oral feedback. Final whole group (approximately 20, determined by intake) performance based on the chosen field of enquiry (approximately 40 minutes). These performances will receive oral feedback through group tutorials. Individual written research and critical analyses of process. The written assignments will receive feedback on the essay cover sheets.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
99	201	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Guided independent study	201	independent study
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	99	practical skills-based sessions exploring a specific area of theatre practice in depth; seminars, tutorials, film and video screenings; small group work; academic presentation; peer-led teaching and practical experimentation; preparing material for performance, including devising, directing and aspects of technical theatre craft as appropriate

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
35	0	65

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Continuous seminar assessment	30	Continuous	all	tutorial and regular in-class feedback
Essay portfolio	35	1,000 word reflection and 2,000 word essay	7,10,11,14	written feedback
Performance	35	40 minutes	2,3,4,5,9,13,15,16	tutorial feedback
	0
	0
	0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Continuous assessment	Continuous assessment	all	Referral/deferral period
Essay portfolio	Essay portfolio	7,10,11,14	Referral/deferral period
Performance	Piece of written work	2,3,4,5,9,13,15,16	Referral/deferral period

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Available as distance learning?

Yes

Last revision date

2012

Key words search

drama, performance, research